Considering SparrowsSample

Day 3

TREECREEPER HUMILITY

The Brown Creeper is a tiny woodland bird that’s reminis­cent of a wind-up toy. Its two short feet stay together as it hops rapidly, its head bobbing forward slightly with each quick mo­tion as it climbs a tree looking for insects.

But the most unique aspect of a treecreeper’s movement is that, when it reaches the top of a tree, it dives hastily downward to the base of a new tree. So the pathway it travels through the forest is that of a swing-set slide—a steep ladder ascent and then a swooping downhill glide back to level ground again.

In other words, the treecreeper always starts low. When it ascends, it does so only to descend again.

The virtue of humility operates in the same way. The way up is down.

Paul tells the Philippians, “Do nothing out of selfish am­bition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV).

Easier said than done, right? We’re more tempted to “crow” about ourselves than to place a higher value on others.

Sometimes I like to imagine the treecreeper at a feeder with other birds. In my mind, the treecreeper says to the other birds, “No, please, friend, you go first; I insist” or “Take my perch, ole chap; I don’t mind.” (Of course, I realize he’s not that consciously benevolent, but then again, birds can’t talk, so let’s just go with it.)

To understand how to live this sort of deferential life, Paul tells the Philippians, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Jesus introduced the world to an upside-down greatness—one defined by hu­mility. Although fully equal with God, his incarnation—and eventually his crucifixion—turned superiority on its head.

So let’s emulate our Savior’s example—dying to self and living for others. Every morning is another opportunity to drop to the bottom of the tree. Whatever heights you attain, whatever merits you achieve, start by going low.

Today, how can you put someone else’s interests ahead of your own?